The chihuahuas are spunky and quirky dogs. Standing at the height of about 6-10 inches, the Chihuahuas are a petite and spontaneous breed of dogs. They are usually of two types, i.e., the smooth-coated and the long-coated breed.
This agile and feisty breed of dog has today taken the world of companionship to a whole new dimension. For being a loyal companion to being fiercely loyal and protective, the chihuahua takes the podium.
So, when it comes to taking care of our furry companions, who doesn’t want the best! Be it the food, the treats, or the love and care; we want the best for our four-legged friends. Then why compromise in their care and grooming? Therefore, choosing the apt shampoo best suited for your chihuahua is one of the most important decisions that one must take as a responsible parent or as a pet owner.
The value of shampooing your chihuahua
Why make a fuss about the grooming products for such a tiny dog? Or what’s the use of spending time and energy on choosing a shampoo? Why? The answer is because:
· First, they deserve to be taken care of,
· Secondly, they have fewer layers of skin as compared to humans, so care must be taken while searching for shampoo,
· Third, to keep their coat smooth and healthy,
· Lastly, to keep their skin clean and infection-free.
How often do they need their bath?
Chihuahuas require regular grooming. Depending on the activity and lifestyle, the grooming schedule of this eccentric dog can be chalked out. Thus, to facilitate and maintain healthy skin and coat, a good regime of bathing and brushing must be made. So, a bath every two to two and a half weeks will be good enough. However, for keeping their mane lustrous and healthy, regular brushing is advised.
Usually, a Chihuahua’s derma should appear soft, vibrant, and smooth. The coating should be glossy, shiny, and lustrous. The texture of the fur should be soft to touch. Therefore, proper maintenance and care of the skin and coat must be ensured. This task will be done only when paired with a careful choice of grooming products after a proper analysis of the products.
What to look for in a product?
Some valuable pointers to look for in the search for a shampoo that is best suited for a chihuahua are:
·Hypoallergenic shampoo – Beneficial for the sensitive skin and helps in keeping the coat clean and healthy.
·Free from Diethanolamine (DEA), synthetic dyes, perfumes, and parabens.
·Tick and Flea shampoo – Shampoos that kills fleas and ticks is a bonus for proper grooming
·Shampoo + Conditioner – A shampoo with conditioning helps in revitalizing the coat as well as moisturize it.
Hence, keeping these few pointers in mind, a review of shampoos for your companion is presented. Depending on the coating, one can pick out the grooming products from the given surveys and specifications.
Product #1
Earthbath All-Natural Pet Shampoo
·Composition – Coconut-based cleansers, almond essence, colloidal oatmeal (3%), almond essence, vanilla essence, aloe vera, squalene of olive oil (natural preservative) and purified water.
·Weight – 1.06 pounds
·Manufacturer – Earthbath
·Description – Many vets are of the view that oatmeal and aloe work effectively to combat skin irritation, promote healing, and re-moisturize dry skin. Combining these two natural wonders with vanilla and almond oils benefits not only the coat but also smell as good as he/she feels and looks.
Earth bath exclusively formulated the itchiness and irritation relief shampoo to tend the requirement of pets with dry and itchy skin. Oatmeal (3%) and organic aloe vera fight against skin itchiness and irritation, promote re-moisturize sensitive skin, promote healing and rejuvenate dry skin. This shampoo is all-natural, pH-balanced, and soap-free. It deodorizes thoroughly and safely, making your pet’s skin and coat brilliantly soft, clean, plush, and fragrant smelling. The shampoo also effectively fights skin irritation, re-moisturize sensitive and dry skin and promote healing.
· Ratings on a scale of 5 based on amazon verified consumer reviews:
Softness – 4.6
For sensitive skin – 4.5
Good scent – 4.5
Moisturizing – 4.1
5 star – 74%
· Pros
All ingredients are natural and biodegradable. No diethanolamine(DEA), paraben-free, phosphate-free, synthetic dyes or perfumes. The presence of aloe vera, purified water, natural cherry essence, renewable coconut-based cleanser, and squalene of olive oil (natural preservative) makes the product all-natural.
The cost of the product is also pocket-friendly, and the easy availability of the shampoo is also a bonus.
· Cons
The product is not hypoallergenic.
The longevity of the smell is short-spanned and diminishes very soon.
May have allergic reactions and skin irritations.
In some instance, it makes the hair frizzy and dull.
Product #2
All-Natural Oatmeal Hypoallergenic Shampoo + Conditioner
·Composition – Deionized water, hydrolyzed oat proteins, organic aloe vera extracts, surfactant blend extracted from natural derivatives, Vitamins A, D and E, glycerin glyceryl stearate, almond oil extracts, blend of cherry botanical extracts, wheat germ glycerides and ethylene glycol diacetate (EGDA).
·Weight – 1 pound
·Manufacturer – Pro Pet Works
·Description – The Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is suggested by veterinarians for pets with allergies to grass, flea bites and food. The shampoo has a cherry almond smell and contains no alcohol, sulfates, harsh chemicals, added colors, and fragrance.
The shampoo is prepared from natural and organic ingredients that address the needs for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. The organic almond oil and aloe vera extracts are soothing and therapeutic for your pets’ coat and skin. Also helps in keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean.
The unique formulation has an amalgamation of almond oil, organic aloe extracts and Vitamin A, D & E that is mild on the pet’s coat. The shampoo makes for a soft, comfortable to groom coat that makes your companion pet feel clean and pleasant. The smell also lasts for several days after washing. It also helps to deodorize stinky pets.
Nothing soothes like almond oil and aloe vera. If your dog is suffering from allergies or skin issues, aloe is a natural and effective way to help relieve their problems. These water-dense leaves make it an effective moisturizer and pain reliever. The fatty acids improve skin and can heal chapped and irritated skin. Almond oil has natural Vitamin E, which protects the skin from UV radiation damage, and helps the skin repair itself quickly.
With a commitment to mother nature and earth, the producers strive their best to yield the smallest possible carbon print on our environment. For this reason, care is taken to make the products 100% biodegradable and with recycled materials. The dog shampoo is non-alcoholic and non-toxic with no animal by-product and is cruelty- and paraben-free.
· Ratings on a scale of 5 based on amazon verified consumer reviews:
Moisturizing – 4.8
Softness – 4.8
Ingredient quality – 4.7
For sensitive skin – 4.7
Scent – 4.5
5 star – 82 %
·Pros
Formulated for sensitive, dry skin.
Contains almond oil and aloe vera, which helps in locking in the moisture.
Helps eliminated wet dog smell.
Untangles for easy brushing and conditions the hair.
Safe for frequent use.
Paraben & cruelty-free.
· Cons
The main drawback somehow is due to the strong odor of the shampoo. Based on feedback, the shampoo has a cherry-flavored cough syrup type of smell, which has a strong lingering smell even after many days.
Not Hypoallergenic.
Loaded with perfumes.
Product #3
Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
·Composition – Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Allantoin, Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate(SAOS), Cocamide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactic acid, DMDM-Hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vitamin E, and water.
· Weight – 16 Oz
· Manufacturer – Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
· Description – Veterinary formula hypoallergenic dog and shampoo scientifically composes a coconut-based cleanser and no harsh ingredients, dyes, and fragrances.
The shampoo is ideal for dogs with sensitivity to fragrances, known allergies, or cleansing agents. Hypoallergenic shampoo with vitamin E, lactic acid, and allantoin will heal, soothe and condition your pet’s skin and coat.
This hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs is sulfate-free, paraben-free, artificial dye-free, and soap-free. The gentle ingredients composition promotes healthy skin and coat. The hypoallergenic shampoo is specially formulated for dogs and cats. The ph-balanced treatment is ideal for their skin and is an effective relief for symptoms of dryness and itchiness.
· Ratings on a scale of 5 based on amazon verified consumer reviews:
Moisturizing – 4.5
For sensitive skin – 4.4
Softness – 4.4
Scent – 3.8
5 star – 74%
· Pros
Veterinary formula clinical care medicated products are developed with veterinary-grade ingredients
Cost-efficient and affordable.
· Cons
As the product is a medicated one, the presence of chemicals tends to make the coating of the dog dry and dull.
Not made from natural ingredients so maybe not suitable for some dogs.
the product has little to no smell or odor.
Product #4
No Tear Shampoo- Oatmeal Shampoo with Pure Lavender and Essential Oils
· Composition – Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Glucoside Carboxylate (SLGC), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Coco-Glucoside, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium PCA Glycerin, D-Panthenol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Simmondsia Chinensis , Phytokeratin, Lavandula angustifolia Oil and water.
· Weight – 8 oz
· Manufacturer – Honeydew
· Description – Colloidal-oatmeal shampoo is for dogs with sensitive skin. The product is formulated to be incredibly soothing and hypoallergenic for your dog’s dry and flaky skin. With the use of natural ingredients such as jojoba, this specially formulated shampoo combats and protects against skin itchiness and irritation on your pet’s fur. Augmented with the lavender’s essential oil the formula is additionally calming. It has a soothing homeopathic effect which makes it easier to control the pet’s odor with every bath.
The veterinarian prescribed clinical formula use unadulterated, high-quality components for efficient odor removal, and extra-strength cleansing. The ingredients also help in the restoration of the essential oils while battling skin irritants. The product is 100% safe and effective. The pet care shampoo is manufactured from all-natural ingredients such as lavender and oatmeal. The Colloidal-Oatmeal shampoo is useful for dogs with sensitive skin.
The product is manufactured in a highly developed modern facility in the USA, which exceeds all goods manufacturing practice (GMP) level. The pet shampoo helps relieve and nourish your pet’s skin and coat. Sensitive skinned dogs can feel agitated by many of the grooming products. Therefore, the cleansing formula is exclusively formulated to be soft and mild. The oatmeal also has soothing, sanitizing, and conditioning effect that help soothe the irritated skin. The shampoo is augmented with lavender to lighten and appease your pet, making bath time a therapeutic and soothing experience.
Lavender Oil is a versatile botanical plant, used since the ancient times for medicinal as well as cosmetic function. Not only will the oil help calm your pet’s irritated and dry skin, but it also has a relaxing effect on your pet. The reason is due to the aromatherapy properties of the lavender oil. This regime will also help your dog pipe down and aid to attain a relaxed and calm mood.
The Colloidal Oatmeal shampoo due to its natural compositions is soft and soothing. The oats in the shampoo work to soothe,moisturize and rejuvenate the irritated skin. The natural hydrating and detoxing properties of the shampoo removes dirt, impurities and oil and add in moisture for soft and smooth skin. The lipids which found in oats are natural and essential humectants that seal in moisture. The presence of this lipid is beneficial for irritated, dry and agitated skins.
Not only do we want our pet’s fur to be clean, but we also want it to be soft to touch, shiny and smell good too. So that’s where the natural oil of Jojoba comes in. Though most moisturizers are on the heavier side, Jojoba Oil is soft, light and hydrates the coat intensively. This will make your canine’s coat healthy, lustrous and strong.
Bath time should not be a frightful experience. Rather, the soothing warm water with its naturally calming properties should have a relaxing effect during the bath time. Getting shampoo in the eye is one incident that may result in itching, irritated, and stinging eyes. This converts what should be a calm and soothing bathing experience, into a distressing, uncomfortable and even, frightful event. Therefore, special measures are taken to ensure that the formula is tear-free and gentle, so that the pet leaves the bath happy with a wagging tail, rather than disgruntled growls and displeasure.
· Ratings on a scale of 5 based on amazon verified consumer reviews:
For sensitive skin – 4.9
Moisturizing – 4.7
Scent – 4.5
Softness – 4.5
Longevity – 4.2
5 star – 86%
· Pros
Colloidal Oatmeal is enriched with pure lavender essential oil.
Helps calm and soothe irritated skin and softens the fur as well.
Gentle deodorizer eliminates unpleasant smells and leaves your dog feeling fresh.
Gentle formula is sulfate and paraben-free.
The shampoo is also tear and cruelty-free.
· Cons
Not recommended for sensitive skin.
The Price of the product is not pocket-friendly.
The smell of chamomile is not as distinct and compelling as described.
Irritation issues such as itchy skin and dandruff due to the use of the product.
Product # 5
Natural Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter and Honey for Dogs by Burt’s Bees
·Composition – Coco-Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Coco Betaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Oleate, Xanthan, Glycerin, Honey, Gum, Beeswax, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and water.
·Weight – 1 pound
·Manufacturer – Burt’s Bees for Pets
·Description – Burt’s Bees hypoallergenic shampoo is a gentle cleanser that freshens up your dog’s coat without drying out their skin. The shampoo is made with the best grade of ingredients. The all-natural constituents include skin-moisturizing shea butter and shine-boosting honey.
This mild tearless shampoo is ph-balanced and is suitable for all breed of dogs. 100% safe and is a veterinarian recommended formula. The product is free of harsh chemicals, colorants, sulfates, and fragrances.
Shea butter moisturizes and makes the skin healthy, while honey boosts in your pet’s coat. Burt’s Bees formula cleanses your pet’s skin and layers without any harmful chemicals that make your pet’s coat dry and dull.
As in typical formulae, this shampoo does not have a strong scent outside of the main ingredients or a substantial lather as artificial fragrances are not added to any of the products. Burt’s Bees natural pet care is made without parabens, petroleum products, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
·Ratings on a scale of 5 based on amazon verified consumer reviews:
Softness – 4.7
Value for money – 4.5
Scent – 4.2
5 star – 60%
· Pros –
Hypoallergic shampoo makes it suitable for frequent use.
The presence of shea butter aids in keeping the moisture of the dog’s skin balanced.
No strong odor makes it suitable for using it as often when needed.
Helps in the reduction of the smelly odor of the dog.
· Cons
The product is a little on the thinner side in terms of consistency.
Not suitable for sensitive skinned dogs that have a history of skin reactions.
Mild smell and is not long-lasting.
May result in dry skin and dandruff.
Tips for better results
Like any parent, when it comes to nurturing and taking take of another being, the offhand tips or pointers always come in handy. So, to give a heads up, some few cues are jotted down:
· Before the bathing session, if there is excessive undercoat in long coats and smooth coats, brush it out. Excessive undercoating causes derma issues like dry skin and dandruff.
· Secondly, do a pre-shampoo bath to remove dirt, grease, or any other dirt. Give a thorough wash of the coating.
· In the next step, put an adequate amount of the shampoo and massage the coat thoroughly.
· As Chihuahuas are thin skin layered, they tend to get cold faster. Therefore, ensure that the bath is warm.
· The next step is conditioning the mane to seal in moisture. A tad conditioning treatment is vital to reduce static electricity to make the coating easier to brush and manageable. The shampoo also serves to compensate for the essential oils that were temporarily washed off during the bath and return moisture.
Final review and product summary
When choosing any product for the first time, it is not such an easy task. Plus, if it is regarding our companion, the task becomes more onerous. Thus, weighing in the pros and cons of the products becomes quite essential and vital.
Depending on the type of coating, apt shampoo must be chosen. Along with the shampoo, care and time must also be placed upon the selection of a good conditioner. The importance of the conditioner is that it helps in locking the moistures that got lost during the bathing.
All the above-reviewed products are mostly DEA, phosphates, and paraben-free. The ingredients that make the products are also of good quality and have a well-maintained ph level. Those are some of the many positives of the reviewed products.
On the other side, the main issue regarding the shampoos was the smell factor. From mild scented to strongly scented shampoos, each product varies in the strength of the smell. While the medicated one such as from the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care had none to mild odor, the shampoo by Pro Pet Works had the most robust smell of the lot. However, the issue of the smell varies from person to person.
Therefore, after analyzing and assessing, the Pro Pet Works All-Natural Oatmeal Hypoallergenic Shampoo + Conditioner seemsto be the most appropriate product. In addition to being a combo, it is also pocket-friendly and made from all-natural ingredients. Though the smell might be an issue, the result is entirely satisfactory and does what it’s supposed to do, i.e., grooming the dog.